Dont worry about it. You'll lose some mpg's with bigger tires and being a little higher. Your or his ability to drive off-road wont matter much either. I go up 10' waterfalls on only a short arm lift kit equaling 3" with 33 x12.5 x 15 tires. I dont have my sway bar on the front or the back any more either. It isnt my daily driver, but I can do long trips in it 300 miles plus and still am happy with the way it drivers. I only wish it got better mpg's, but we all wish that. Hope your son enjoys his new lift!!!

 

I've got a Rough Country 3" kit and 31s on my 98 and the ride is better than stock since it came with new shocks, coils, and add-a-leafs. My only suggestion to him is to spend the extra $50 or so on the full leafs if he goes with Rough Country. And as others have said once he starts to lift it, he won't want to stop. I'm gathering up parts to build mine up to a 5" lift on 33s

 

I just spent $400 on new sensa trac shocks about 5,000 miles ago. Now I want a 3'' lift. Is there anything available so I can use the new shocks?

 

2" BB and some bar pin eliminators.
Otherwise yes your going to need some new shocks.

 

Thanks. Are these products a good option?

http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merch...egory_Code=XSP

http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merch...egory_Code=XLK

 

Yes to the spacer's.


No to the add-a-leaf

For the Rear a better option would be to go get some lift shackles.
Or build your self a small bastard pack from an S-10.

If it's just something to drive around town, I would honestly run a 1" or 2" block before running an supper stiff add-a-leaf.
(waiting for rock to be thrown)

 

OK. I'm thinking I need new leaf's and springs or something because the new shocks didn't improve anything. Even the slightest bumps feel like I hit a foot deep pot hole.

 

An Add A Leaf would only make this worse.

Shackles or a block will not improve this either.
You will need a new set of springs, to help with this problem.
I would go the Bastard pack route for a cost effective solution.

 

$400 seems high for SensaTracs. Shockwarehouse has them for $151.02 for a set of 4 w/free shipping.

I think you would have been better off with a monotube high pressure shock if your running rough roads.

 

Roger. What is the bastard pack? Cost isnt an issue, just don't want to waste the new shocks. But I'm not looking to have a suspension system that costs more then a '96 xj with 205,000 miles is worth lol.

 

Here's some good info on budget boosts:

http://www.lunghd.com/Tech_Articles/...udget_Lift.htm

 

You could try and sell the shocks and get some money back. Then decide on how tall you want to go and buy the shocks you want. A standard shock from 4 wheel parts is all you need (http://www.4wheelparts.com/Lift-Kits...3306&kw=shocks) unless you intend on doing some major rock crawling or desert racing then its time to get some Kings or Fox shocks.

As for driving it and hitting pot holes or feeling every bump in the road, your xj isnt a car anymore, once you lift them the ride just isnt the same.

 

What about just replacing the leafs and springs? The rear is sagging a bit. Will new ones give it enough lift?

 

Yes & Yes.

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=957617

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1004504

 

What about something like this?

http://www.rakuten.com/prod/skyjacke...FY1xOgodvFcAew